Pheasant

[lovelyjubilly]

Having recently read Danny the Champion of the World, 6yo dd has decided that she would love to try roasted pheasant and I wondered about getting one for Christmas.
I've never even eaten pheasant, let alone prepared or cooked one. Any tips?

I would suggest either trying it before hand or doing it along side something else just In case no one likes it.

I loved pheasant Christmas dinners as a child for exactly that reason!

They are a game bird so watch out for shot (the little metal pellets). Sorry if you already know that. We have a competition to see who gets it.

They are smallish and bony birds but so tasty. They can be a bit dry, so baste well and make a good gravy, but not as dry as turkey.

Are you ordering from a butcher? Check what state it will be in and if they can prep it for you, or you might find you're handed a brace still in feather.

Also you may need several, 1 pheasant is only really enough for two people.

I love pheasant but it really doesn’t feed too many. There is very little meat on it. So get a few or have back up

Definitely get one beforehand and cook it, it's gamey and may not be to everyone's taste.

The 'pellets' in it could be lead shot, so be very aware you can break teeth on them and don't swallow as lead is poisonous.

At Christmas time it is possible to buy pheasants from several supermarkets and M&S. They are prepared and have cooking instructions so no more tricky than a chicken.

What about a 3 bird roast? That way there's a little to try and not too much if no one likes it.

Also be aware that not all Pheasants are suitable for roasting, really you need to trust your supplier. If you can bend the breast bone it can be roasted, if not it's better casseroled or pot roasted

Check if it’s been hung and for how long. Needs to be hung for at least 3 days but no more than a week.

Ooh okay! This is more complicated than I anticipated

You need to find a game keeper my dad is a great one if you’re in the south. We always roast them upside down and covered in bacon to stop them drying out.

It's not complicated op. Make sure you roast it beast down first for 20 mins then turn back up with bacon across breast to stop it drying out. I adore pheasant but one Xmas we had it abd sadly it was frozen and shite. Must have bread sauce and a deep gravy with port and red current jelly. I used to eat them like no tomorrow but have not had one for years! Thanks opp you have put them back on my radar.

Waitrose usually do them pre prepared to get taste first?